By Rhoda GodwinA pilot programme designed to raise awareness on the importance of safe and legal migration has concluded in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The initiative was organised by the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the CSO Network for National Migration (CSOnetMADE), Hon. Nengi Rufus-Spiff, in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Bayelsa NGOs Forum (BANGOF).
The programme focused on promoting structured, legal and safe migration pathways.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Nengi Rufus-Spiff, who is also the former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Bayelsa State, emphasised that migration, when properly managed, can significantly contribute to national development.
“Migration is not a crime. It is a natural human phenomenon that can contribute meaningfully to national growth if properly managed,” she said. “However, when individuals fail to follow the right channels, the consequences can be devastating, not only for them but for their families and communities.”
Reviewing the revised National Migration Policy (2025), she highlighted critical data and policy directions guiding migration governance in Nigeria.
“Statistics show that 43 percent of Bayelsa’s population are internal migrants, and 62 percent of them reside in urban areas,” she stated. “These figures underscore the urgency for proper planning, awareness, and policy alignment to protect our people and maximise the benefits of migration.”
Hon. Rufus-Spiff further stressed the importance of CSOnetMADE in achieving migration objectives within the state, noting that several states across the federation are already benefitting from its broad-based initiatives.
“We cannot afford to work in silos,” she said. “I urge NGOs in Bayelsa to align their visions with CSOnetMADE so we can attract international support, build stronger partnerships, and improve the living conditions of our youths.”
She also reiterated the need for structured collaboration among NGOs to strengthen advocacy and policy implementation.
In his remarks, Barr. Taritein Boco, Chairman of BANGOF, commended the organisers for initiating the programme and pledged support toward deepening migration awareness in Bayelsa.
“This is a timely and commendable initiative,” he said. “As NGOs, our priority must always be community development, not personal interests. We must work collectively to educate our people on migration realities.”
Barr. Boco also advised organisations seeking collaboration with CSOnetMADE to ensure proper registration.
“Any NGO that intends to partner must have a valid Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration. That is a basic requirement for credibility and effective partnership,” he added.
Representing the Executive Director of the Woman Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), Lady Eunice Nnachi, Mrs. Esther Tiemo praised CSOnetMADE for what she described as an eye-opening and empowering initiative.
“This programme has deepened understanding about migration and shown that the process can be made easier and safer when the right information is available,” she said. “We encourage other NGOs to embrace this initiative and help amplify the message to reach more people.”
Participants at the meeting included representatives of the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), Dise Ogbise Foundation, among others.
